1. < Diabetes & Endocrine System

Lighten Your Limbs With Friends

Posted by Retired Teacher @retiredteacher, Oct 28, 2018

Hello all. I have Diabetes 2 and have avoided exercise for over 2 1/2 years. I am overweight and know that I need to get moving and lose weight. I have always had excuses not to do anything much before. I have a treadmill, and I look at it, but I never use it. A few weeks ago, I decided that it is time to lighten my limbs. I received my Mayo newsletter. and it included a twelve-week Exercise Plan. It was like fate that I had decided to exercise and Mayo dropped the perfect routine in my lap. Because it's 12 weeks and not years and years, as some plans are, the Mayo is doable. They're not asking me to run a marathon!
It's a way to get stronger and healthier. However, one part was missing: I need to be accountable to somebody else. I would love for other Connects to join me so that we could celebrate our success each week. I don't want to wait to January when all we hear is "New Year, New You." So I thought it would be good to start before the bombardment of ads for gym equipment and promises to lose many pounds too fast (and gain it back even faster). I needed a plan that will work for me and anybody else, and Mayo has given it to us.
Let's get a jump on 2019 by finishing strong in 2018. If we start the first week on Friday, November 2, 2018 (only four days from now), it will propel us through the weekend and keep us going. Just think: By January 25th, we will have completed the 12 weeks. Just when other people are trying to keep their exercise resolutions, we'll have finished 12 weeks. We'll be lighter, heathier, and stronger. We also will have gotten into the habit of exercising and hopefully, do another 12 weeks. Doesn't that sound good? To be able to say, "I'm healthier and feel so much better and have lighter limbs." For the first time I am excited to exercise, but I need others to come along with me. I need the accountability.
Please join me and give it a try. Come along with me so we can say it's not just my 12 weeks, but it's our 12 weeks. The first week asks us to do 5 minutes of warm up, five minutes of brisk walking, and five minutes of cool down. That's only 15 minutes. I can do that! The walking is the speed that you are comfortable with. The warm up and cool down are just slower walking. It can be outside, in your house, at a gym---wherever you feel comfortable and whatever time of day is convenient. Nothing required except determination and desire to make it 12 weeks.
I'll post the exercise times for each week once we get started. Let's give this gift to ourselves and improve throughout the holidays. If you have any questions, send me a note, and I'll answer what I have from Mayo.
Everybody's walking! Sounds great to me.

@retiredteacher
Volunteer Mentor

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Diabetes & Endocrine System Support Group.

marvinjsturing | @marvinjsturing | Nov 16, 2018
In reply to @retiredteacher "@marvinjsturing I replied and just as I was signing out, the reply disappeared or went into..." + (show)
@retiredteacher

@marvinjsturing I replied and just as I was signing out, the reply disappeared or went into cyber space or wherever emails go that are lost. I hope you are feeling better and stronger. This Walking Plan really has made a difference for me in only two weeks. I haven't heard from several who were going to try it, but I hope they are moving and getting some good vibes from the Plan. We just have to Keep on Keeping On with Willie On the Road Again every day we can, and I honestly believe we'll get to week 12 and be so proud.
Walk on.
@retiredteacher, Carol
Volunteer Mentor

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I'm not sure I can say that I am noticeably better and stronger, but I expected it to get harder as we added time. That hasn't happened yet, so I must be getting stronger. I've always imagined that there is some location out in the cloud somewhere that is collecting all those emails, texts and other messages that disappear when you try to post them.

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2 replies
marvinjsturing | @marvinjsturing | Nov 16, 2018
In reply to @woodinville "Love it! I did it yesterday, walked 2 miles...found bones and muscles on me I never..." + (show)
@woodinville

Love it! I did it yesterday, walked 2 miles...found bones and muscles on me I never knew were here, haha. Hurt a little, but feel sp proud. Did it.didn't make my usual excuses.

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Last week you said you were out of shape and now you walked 2 miles! You must be improving very quickly. Way to go!

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Nov 16, 2018
In reply to @marvinjsturing "I'm not sure I can say that I am noticeably better and stronger, but I expected..." + (show)
@marvinjsturing

I'm not sure I can say that I am noticeably better and stronger, but I expected it to get harder as we added time. That hasn't happened yet, so I must be getting stronger. I've always imagined that there is some location out in the cloud somewhere that is collecting all those emails, texts and other messages that disappear when you try to post them.

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@marvinjsturing Yes, there is probably a cyberspace dead letter box somewhere out there🤔

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Retired Teacher | @retiredteacher | Nov 16, 2018
In reply to @marvinjsturing "I'm not sure I can say that I am noticeably better and stronger, but I expected..." + (show)
@marvinjsturing

I'm not sure I can say that I am noticeably better and stronger, but I expected it to get harder as we added time. That hasn't happened yet, so I must be getting stronger. I've always imagined that there is some location out in the cloud somewhere that is collecting all those emails, texts and other messages that disappear when you try to post them.

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@marvinjsturing You know, these good things sneak up on us. Just when I think I'm not getting better with my routines of eating and activity, I have a wild idea to choose an outfit that I haven't worn in a while, and lo and behold; it fits! I have three sizes of clothes as I have gained and lost over the last few years. So as I walk, I think about outfits that maybe I will be able to wear that I haven't worn in a while. I did not weigh when I started. The scales are not my friend.That takes the fun away for me. I am eating my Diabetes plan and hopefully Lightening my Limbs I don't want a number to define my progress. Maybe you don't notice that you are better and stronger, but just working the plan means you are healthier or you wouldn't be able to feel that where you are isn't harder. I felt that way this morning. I went over the time a little bit to see if I could, and I did. It felt great to be ahead of the plan. However, I know the plan is structured the way it is for a reason, and that is so that it won't be a drudgery and people will continue. Stopping is not in my mind. I will finish the 12 weeks and evaluate at that point. I am glad you are along with me. You motivate me to keep on keeping on as do the others who post their feelings and progress.
Let's walk on and at any time, we can share how we feel about Lightening Our Limbs. It will be fun to see what we all think. Do you agree?
Walking on...…
@retiredteacher, Carol
Volunteer Mentor

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JK | @contentandwell | Nov 16, 2018
In reply to @retiredteacher "@hopeful33250 I think it is a way to think about being at the gym to consider..." + (show)
@retiredteacher

@hopeful33250 I think it is a way to think about being at the gym to consider yourself as a model for the younger ones who seemingly do everything with little or no effort. I doubt that you are the oldest or that @contentandwell is either. You may be older at your gym, but I am probably the oldest on Lighten Your Limbs. I may be the oldest VM. I am 74! Good grief; I shock myself when I say that age. My mind doesn't think that old, but my body does. When people say age is just a number, that doesn't work for me. The number does matter, and as we age, we have to adjust accordingly. There are things I cannot do now that I could do ten years ago. That's a fact. My mind might want to, but the number doesn't go along with the plan. But, that's okay. I have to try to figure out what to do at 74 and quit worry about what I did before that age. It works for me. My husband likes to say, "We have to play the hand we are dealt." He is so right. I am just delighted that the exercise is working, and that I have good Connect friends to keep me accountable and share Willie's road. On Thanksgiving, I am definitely going to say thanks for the Connect Mentors and Moderators. I am lucky to have you.
I think we are all doing terrific. Mayo really had this figured out to ease into a longer time and more distance. It works! I can't wait to say that I'm walking even more.
@retiredteacher, Carol
Volunteer Mentor

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@retiredteacher I’m 71 and I too find that number to sound strange! I sure don’t feel that old so when people treat me like an old lady who needs help I am always stunned that I am seen that way. I really do not like this!
JK

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1 reply
woodinville | @woodinville | Nov 17, 2018
In reply to @colleenyoung "@woodinville, so good to be proud of the hurt! I particularly like how you were able..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

@woodinville, so good to be proud of the hurt! I particularly like how you were able to escape the pattern and didn't throw your usual excuses to block your success. Way to go!

What's on the program for you tomorrow?

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Umbrella, boots, and at least a mile!

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2 replies
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Nov 17, 2018
In reply to @contentandwell "@retiredteacher I’m 71 and I too find that number to sound strange! I sure don’t feel..." + (show)
@contentandwell

@retiredteacher I’m 71 and I too find that number to sound strange! I sure don’t feel that old so when people treat me like an old lady who needs help I am always stunned that I am seen that way. I really do not like this!
JK

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Maybe we need a new discussion group, Aging and Not Happy, @contentandwell
However, the alternative to not growing old is not good either😊
So I guess, on to this next birthday with a smile on our faces!

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1 reply
Retired Teacher | @retiredteacher | Nov 17, 2018
In reply to @woodinville "Umbrella, boots, and at least a mile!" + (show)
@woodinville

Umbrella, boots, and at least a mile!

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@woodinville, Wow! I am so impressed and motivated! I don't walk outside even in nice weather; I know I wouldn't walk in the rain. Our neighborhood has no sidewalks and is hilly so I would worry about falling at my age. I have to do all of my walking in the house. I have a two-story house so have added the stairs up/down to the treadmill plan. That has given me another dimension challenge.
I am more than proud of you, and you have to proud of yourself! You definitely get an extra gold star. This week three is moving us along, so need to get on Willie's road and Keep on moving.
You deserve a big CONGRATULATIONS!
@retiredteacher, Carol
Volunteer Mentor

REPLY
Retired Teacher | @retiredteacher | Nov 17, 2018
In reply to @hopeful33250 "Maybe we need a new discussion group, Aging and Not Happy, @contentandwell However, the alternative to..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

Maybe we need a new discussion group, Aging and Not Happy, @contentandwell
However, the alternative to not growing old is not good either😊
So I guess, on to this next birthday with a smile on our faces!

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Oh, @hopeful33250, I don't want to say not happy. Sometimes frustrated; sometimes irritated, but at this age I am happy that I have had a wonderful life and have a few regrets, like most people. If I had known then what I know now, there are some things I would change, but basically, I am happy. It's a different joy than when I was young. Now it is more peaceful, restful, and reflective. I am just grateful that the Good Lord gives me another day. When I'm walking, I'm going to smile along with Willie's singing and remind myself the "Life is Good,"
@retiredteacher, Carol
Volunteer Mentor

REPLY
1 reply
JK | @contentandwell | Nov 17, 2018
In reply to @woodinville "Umbrella, boots, and at least a mile!" + (show)
@woodinville

Umbrella, boots, and at least a mile!

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@woodinville whoa, I’m impressed!
JK

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